By Fred HendricksNote: This feature is in the August TT&C 2017 issue.​​

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Keegan Minard’s 1/50 scale pipeline construction diorama. Note the various equipment operations: an excavator digging the trench in the back and the excavator lowering a section of pipe into the trench box. Workers are also on assignment with various tasks.

Keegan Minard exhibits energy and creativity well beyond his youthful age of 15. When visiting with Keegan, you quickly forget that he is just a sophomore in high school. Keegan is an excellent communicator, quick of mind and full of energy. At this young age, Keegan has already completed several years with his own landscaping business. And in 2016, he built a high-detailed pipeline construction diorama for display at the DHS Diecast Collectibles open house. His diorama received accolades by builders with years of experience.

Youthful rootsKeegan’s passion was launched while he was very young, as his mother, Cami, explained: “Keegan’s very first toy was a 1/16 scale tractor. This was a gift from his grandparents when Keegan was just a toddler. From that point on, Keegan always preferred toy tractors or construction equipment over other kinds of toys.”Cami went on by commenting, “When he started talking, Keegan would jabber about tractors. When he was barely beyond a toddler, Keegan started showing interest in construction equipment. As Keegan’s walking became sturdy, I would contact the foreman at a construction site and seek permission to take him so he could walk around and climb on the big equipment. Keegan is not interested in sports like most teenagers. Naturally, we’ve supported Keegan by taking him to events that interest him. As a result, I know more about tractors and construction equipment than I ever thought possible. His stepdad’s roots are from a farming community in southwest Nebraska, so they have a lot in common.”When visiting friends in Nebraska a few years ago, Keegan had the opportunity to drive a combine. “I was probably 12 years old when we visited friends in Nebraska. The friend took me with him when he was harvesting corn with his Challenger combine. He asked me if I wanted to drive. And so, I did. What a thrill to operate a big piece of equipment like that. I’ll never forget that experience because it was really exciting,” Keegan shared.

As Keegan began developing his landscaping business, called Forever Scapes, it became necessary to operate equipment. “I got interested in landscaping when I was about 7 years old. Maybe it was the result of my playtime in the yard. Now that I have my own landscaping business, I’ve needed to use a variety of power equipment besides shovels and rakes. I frequently use a skidsteer. There have been times when I’ve used an excavator. Operating these power units has helped me learn more about this kind of equipment. I’ve even visited construction sites where the guys will let me operate some of their heavy machinery,” Keegan indicated.

Want to read the rest of the story? It's available in the August TT&C 2017magazine!Download here: AUGUST TT&C 2017